Gamecocks name Mike Davis the starter at running back

Published: Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at 3:15 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at 12:17 a.m.

COLUMBIA — Sophomore tailback Mike Davis will get the first chance to replace Marcus Lattimore at South Carolina.

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North Carolina at No. 6 USC6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, ESPN

Gamecocks running backs coach Everette Sands said Tuesday Davis would get the start against North Carolina on Aug. 29th. It’s the first time since the 2009 season that someone other than Lattimore will open the year at tailback. The injured Lattimore left after his junior season as South Carolina’s all-time leader with 38 rushing touchdowns.

Davis is the 5-foot-9, 215-pound younger brother of former Clemson standout James Davis. The younger Davis rushed for 275 yards and two touchdowns last season. He was an offensive bright spot in last Saturday’s scrimmage with 53 yards on four carries. Sands says the No. 6 Gamecocks will also use backups Brandon Wilds and Shon Carson against North Carolina.

“We’ll see all three, but right now Mike is a little bit ahead. He’s going to be the starter,” Sands said. “But those guys know they’re going to play. We have to have all three of them to be as successful as we can be. (Mike) made a few more plays in the scrimmages. All of them are getting better in the pass protection. They can all get it done, he just made a few more plays.”

INJURY UPDATE: In some positive news on the injury front, senior defensive end Chaz Sutton was able to get in some limited work with the defense. Sutton has been sidelined with a sprained foot.

<p>COLUMBIA — Sophomore tailback Mike Davis will get the first chance to replace Marcus Lattimore at South Carolina.</p><p>Gamecocks running backs coach Everette Sands said Tuesday Davis would get the start against North Carolina on Aug. 29th. It's the first time since the 2009 season that someone other than Lattimore will open the year at tailback. The injured Lattimore left after his junior season as South Carolina's all-time leader with 38 rushing touchdowns.</p><p>Davis is the 5-foot-9, 215-pound younger brother of former Clemson standout James Davis. The younger Davis rushed for 275 yards and two touchdowns last season. He was an offensive bright spot in last Saturday's scrimmage with 53 yards on four carries. Sands says the No. 6 Gamecocks will also use backups Brandon Wilds and Shon Carson against North Carolina.</p><p>“We'll see all three, but right now Mike is a little bit ahead. He's going to be the starter,” Sands said. “But those guys know they're going to play. We have to have all three of them to be as successful as we can be. (Mike) made a few more plays in the scrimmages. All of them are getting better in the pass protection. They can all get it done, he just made a few more plays.” </p><p><b>INJURY UPDATE: </b>In some positive news on the injury front, senior defensive end Chaz Sutton was able to get in some limited work with the defense. Sutton has been sidelined with a sprained foot.</p><p>Those who remain sidelined include Rory Anderson (hamstring), Cedrick Cooper (elbow), Bruce Ellington (hamstring), Kyle Morini (elbow), James King (foot), Gerald Turner (ankle), Mike Matulis (shoulder), Cody Gibson (knee), Devin Washington (concussion), Kadetrix Marcus (knee), Jerell Adams (ankle) and Carlton Heard (hamstring).</p>